Protection During Vehicle Storage

CAUTION: Batteries produce explosive gasses. Batteries contain corrosive acid. Batteries supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, to reduce the risk of personal injury while working near a battery:
^ Always shield your eyes.
^ Avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible.
^ Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks.
^ Do not allow battery acid to contact the eyes or the skin.
- Flush any contacted areas with water immediately and thoroughly.
- Get medical help.

Some electronic devices on the vehicle impose small continuous current drains on the battery. This is commonly called parasitic load. If the vehicle is not used for an extended time, these parasitic loads can discharge and eventually cause permanent damage to the battery. Discharged batteries can also freeze in cold weather. Refer to Electrolyte Freezing. Electrolyte Freezing

Do the following steps in order to help keep the battery in a charged state while storing the vehicle:
^ If the vehicle is likely to be stored over 30 days, check the built-in hydrometer and make sure the green dot is visible.

NOTE: Always turn the ignition OFF when connecting or disconnecting battery cables, battery chargers, or jumper cables. Failing to do so may damage the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or other electronic components.

^ Disconnect the negative battery cable. This protects the battery from being discharged by parasitic current drains from the electrical system of the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Any time the green dot in the built-in hydrometer of the battery is not visible, promptly recharge the battery.

^ If the battery cannot be disconnected, establish a regular schedule of recharging the batter every 20-45 days in order to maintain a high state of charge.

IMPORTANT: Original equipment maintenance-free batteries will not be damaged by charge rates of 50 amps or more, as long as the battery does not spew electrolyte from the vents or heat to over 52°C (125°F).

^ In order to keep the charging time low, use a battery charger that is capable of providing a charging voltage of at least 16 volts.

1. Inspect the battery being charged every 45-60 minutes. Stop charging or reduce the charging rate as necessary.
2. Stop charging within one hour after the green dot appears in the hydrometer in order to avoid overcharging.

IMPORTANT: A battery that remains in a discharged state for a long time may be difficult to recharge. The battery may also be permanently damaged.

^ Allow ample time for charging. Refer to Battery Charging. Service and Repair

When it is time to reconnect the battery, do the following steps:
1. Using a wire brush, lightly clean any oxidation from the contact face of the battery terminal before reconnecting the cable.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

2. Tighten the cable bolt.

Tighten
^ Tighten the cable bolt on a side terminal battery to 12 N.m (106 lb ft).
^ Tighten the cable bolt on top terminal battery to 18 N.m (13 lb ft).

3. Reset the clock, the push-button radio tuning, and other accessories before the vehicle is put back in service.